ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

The concept of "Paradise On Earth" surely means different things for different people. And most likely "a perfect place" does not exist. There are just places that are suitable for different individuals. New Orleans, with all its problems, seems to be that place for me, and for all the musicians involved in this project. The last seven years since the federal levee failure have been a trial and a challenge to all New Orleanians. But also in some ways, the fact that we came so close to losing our home city made us realize how precious and unique a place it is. For what we do, the Crescent City offers incalculable amounts of history, culture, and inspiration. Not to mention the opportunities to play and exist with other like-minded people.

The NOHC was formed in the summer of 2001 and has since its inception in some ways been paradise on earth among the other bands that each of us play. We don't get to play together as often as we would like but when we do, all the pieces just seem to click together, wonderful musical things happen intuitively and the gigs (and recording sessions) are tons of fun. Along the years the band has become a family, we may not see each other as often as we would like but when we do, it's like no time has passed since the last reunion.

The musicians and the concept of this recording are slightly different from NOHC's first CD "At Last", from 2004. During the years we have had the fortune to work with many great "subs" some of whom are now featured on the record. Most distinguishably you will notice a change behind the drums. Thomas Rönnholm, the groups original drummer who was unable to join us this time due to his extremely busy work schedule in Finland, has been replaced by some of New Orleans' finest: the great Gerald French and Jerry Barbarin Anderson, one of New Orleans' best kept secrets.

We are also featuring two bass players: Nobu Ozaki who is NOHC's original bassist and Mitchell Player who has done most of the touring with us due to Nobu's high demand in New Orleans. There are also some changes in the vocal front. Tricia has been living in Norway for several years and in her absence we have had the great pleasure and privilege to have Yolanda Windsay share the stage with us. Now both of these wonderful vocalists appear on the CD.

This band has traveled to many a place and played some wonderful gigs in remote locations like Brazil, Norway and Finland. Still, however nice it is to travel, playing and recording in New Orleans, our paradise on earth, is always something special for us.

This recording is a love song to New Orleans, its culture, its residents, and the timeless music they have created. Most of the songs on it were composed in the first two decades of the 20th century, yet they are still fresh and meaningful now, almost a hundred years later. ~ Katja Toivola

Oh New Orleans, oh what a townHow good it feels to be Crescent boundTo see your friends and taste the foodIt's paradise on earth for me

Following a Second LineThe best way to spend your timeBrowse the Quarter, take it inIt's paradise on earth for me

When you go to the Treméand eat those red beansYou'll know you're right at homeThere's nothing like this elsewhere in the world – anywhere

Oh my city, the southern queenIt's the best place you've ever seenFilled with culture, oh New OrleansIt's paradise on earth for me

Monday night at Donna's barLet the music take you farMardi Gras and IndiansIt's paradise on earth for me

Recorded and mixed by Tim Stambaugh at the Word Of Mouth StudioJanuary 5 and 9, February 28 and March 1, 2011Mastered by David FarrellProduced by Katja Toivola and Leroy JonesGraphic design by Katja Toivola, kamtoivola@aol.comPhotography by Shannon Brinkman, www.shannonbrinkman.com

The NOHC would like to thank Tim, David, Shannon, Ada, Roya, Cordell, Esko, all our families and friends, New Orleans' music community, all people who support live jazz around the world and the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic. Special thanks go out to the Threadhead Records Foundation for their generous support!